Argentina and Altitude

Argentina and Altitude

Argentina has the highest altitude vineyards in the world where wine grows successfully. The high altitude above sea level—averaging at 900 meters (2,950 feet)—and subsequent abundance of sunlight characterize Argentine wines in a crucial way. Aconcagua, the highest mountain in the Andes Mountain Range and in South America, is located a mere five kilometers (3.1 miles) from San Juan Province. Salta Province officially has the highest vineyards in Argentina and the world at altitudes surpassing 3000 meters (9,840 feet). In comparison, the wine vineyard altitude in Italy ranges from 120 to 340 meters (395 – 1,115 feet) above sea level and Australia’s highest vineyards are only 1320 meters (4,330 feet) in altitude.  The highest vineyard altitude in California is 1000 meters (3300 feet), though most vineyards are about 350 meters (1,150 feet) above sea level. French vineyards have altitudes ranging from 150 to 400 meters (490 – 1,310 feet) above sea level. See Winemaking Regions section for more altitude statistics of other Argentine winemaking regions.

The high altitude generates a wide thermal range (also known as diurnal temperature differential): sun-filled, warm days and cool, fresh nights. Temperatures fluctuate greatly throughout the year due to the temperature differential expanding from -5 to 40 degrees Celsius (23 – 104 degrees Fahrenheit). This high degree of thermal amplitude causes an increase in acidity, a very desirable characteristic, in Argentine grapes. In the case of Torrontes especially, this increased acidity at high altitudes is crucial for expression because at lower altitudes Torrontes can become flabby (meaning that there is not enough acidity).

Argentina has clear skies and sees sun for upwards of 300 days a year in Mendoza and for more than 330 days per year in Salta. These clear skies and dryness are created through the physical barrier of the Andes Mountains. Argentina is the only major viticulture region in the world with a truly continental (as opposed to coastal) system of weather. Coastal weather patterns—found especially in Chile, California, Italy, and South Africa—with a much higher degree of humidity and lower altitudes tend to have much more rainfall and a higher variability in rainfall. The humidity, or lack thereof in the case of Argentina, is key as Malbec, Torrontes, and Bonarda are all grapes that in their native countries (France, Spain, and Italy respectively) were prone to the disease and rot caused by humidity. Pacific weather patterns to the west of Chile end up dumping their rain to the west of the Andes before crossing into Argentina, ensuring Argentina’s dryness and abundant sunshine. The proximity of sunlight allows for excellent maturation of the grapes, ultimately creating great concentration, rich aromas, flavors, colors, and tannins for the wine. 

tags: argentina ·